Taliban Prisons: 31 Methods of Torture Documented

Research by Afghanistan International reveals that detainees in Taliban intelligence agency prisons endure 31 distinct forms of torture, the newspaper’s website reported in an article. This study, based on interviews with 38 former detainees, highlights the severe mistreatment faced by individuals accused of various offenses, including rebellion against the regime and connections to foreign media.

A total of 121 petitions have been submitted to the Taliban’s Administrative Office of Appeals by individuals alleging torture during their detention. The detainees, consisting of 29 men and 9 women, reported experiences of physical and psychological abuse over periods ranging from one month to 26 months.

Among the torture methods documented are electric shocks, beatings, submersion in cold water, and sleep deprivation. Notably, five detainees required hospitalization due to severe injuries. The findings underscore the urgent need for international attention to human rights violations in Afghanistan, as many detainees were held without evidence of criminal activity and faced brutal treatment during their captivity.